This was a very good movie. Yes, it starts slow but if you have the patience to watch until the very end you will find the writer and director did a wonderful job at tying everything up together. It shouldn't have been booed, as it was a heart warming story that had excellent acting. This movie deserves an opportunity at redemption in the world of movie downloads, and cable movies. So sad to see it destroyed by critics without having been given a chance. This is not a movie that I would watch over and over, but it is a very good one time watch. The use of flashbacks may be a turnoff for some as it drags out the movie a little longer than some may be comfortable with. The filming was different but captured the essence of the film, emotions and desperation. Trust me, do yourself a favor and give it a view on a weekend when you are bored... so no loss in the event you agree with the film festival crowd and critics.
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jbarber-3551813 September 2016
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chenggaga15 October 2016What is life, the strange question. People suffers from depression, sorrow and sadness. People lose someone they love. That's the reason so people want to die.
To here we are, an American who didn't know the meaning of his life, neither his life partner. Every life has up site down. So they do.
So something happened to them that shouldn't have happened.
He decided to go the jungle of mass suicide. Per years there are 100+ suicide reports into this jungle. The Japanese name of this jungle is Aokigahara. also known as the Suicide Forest or Sea of Trees
So let me talk about the low rating and bad reviews. I suggest, do not listen to them. This isn't a everyone type movie. Some people like and someone dislikes. I liked it. And i realized that Life is precious. -
AJ4F27 September 2016Was there a major edit made for the U.S. release? I'd read that it started off good and the ending got convoluted, but the film was consistently well played throughout. Regardless of any changes, watching this taught me again that critics are fickle and you need to see something yourself. There can be a negative mob mentality if a film gets bad press early on, even if people don't really know why.
McConaughey's acting was subdued for his character and it fit the role. I won't give away the plot twists but I'd recommend this as much as any recent, well-received movie. The atmosphere was unique and low-key, and I couldn't find major faults, though I wasn't totally surprised by a certain driving scene. -
Gordon-1113 September 2016This film tells the story of a man who just lost his wife to tragic circumstances. He travels to Tokyo, where there is a forest near Mount Fuji. This forest is a beautiful place, where people from all over the world go to commit suicide.
Going to a beautiful place to die is a baffling concept for a person who does not want to commit suicide. That beautiful forest is sadly clouded by people who romanticise death in the depth of their despair. In this film, I'm glad to see that most of the film is about the power of life and the will to live. Otherwise, the plot would just be too sombre and disturbing. I find the plot very powerful, and it makes me think about the experiences of people who goes into the forest for whatever reason. I think this is a beautiful film, and a powerful film about life. -
I had no idea what kind of movie i was watching, maybe i Just decided to watch it because of Matthew Mcconaughey playing in it but then it got me. I knew about C.G. Yung and Joseph Campbell's method of analyzing symbols and mythology and however at the beginning I did not realize it and even thought it might be a horror movie but then slowly by slowly it opened to me like if you see some one and they look familiar but you don't know how you know them and then that aha moment comes. After that I enjoyed every moment of the movie and could not stop thinking about it for some time.
I have to be fair though and admit that the flash backs could get a bit boring sometimes but I think it is just because the situation the couples were in was boring and nerve racking any way so in the movie they could not change it.it is how it is.
At the end I'd say its a clean, honest and truthful story without lies or exaggerations. the acts are great the scenes are well chosen and effective and well again if you know a bit about symbols you might learn something out of it. -
islam-9492729 August 2016I think the movie is underrated. I know it is not one of the best movies that anyone should watch,but it is not that awful. A great crew in this movie. The script is not that good.The movie will really touches u.The drama was good. A good experience for anyone. there is no doubt that Matthew did a great job at this movie, but he should take care of his coming movies. I compare between his role in this movie and mud. I think the difference can not be noticed. The same of his voice at both movies. overall the whole cast and the movie is very good for me. I recommend the lovers of drama to watch this movie especially the psycho movie lovers. do not be so harsh on Matthew. Each actor need a variety.It is a good one
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hcamiel29 April 2016Saw it in a sneak preview screening.
After seeing the horrible "The Forest" i was a bit reluctant to see another movie about the suicide forest, but was surprised that this movie deals with different themes.
I watched the movie because i wanted to watch a movie, and in that i found a lot of enjoyment. The movie had some good pacing and it deals with basically a present and past storyline entwined and both are interesting enough to have you go "no wait, i want to know how it continues" with every switch.
The acting was good, the story was perhaps a bit on the "cliché" side near the end, but in all satisfying. I have to mention the cinematography, because there are some beautiful shots in there, sometimes it felt so strange when shots where done without a steady cam but in ends up feeling more "organic" in the end.
So if you want to watch a nice story driven film, give it a shot. -
I don't understand why this movie was booed at the Cannes Film Festival. This is a beautiful story. It is a story in which we learn so many lessons about life's most difficult moments and how one can find the courage to survive. Excellent acting and beautiful script. The cinematography is beautiful.
An American man, Arthur Brennan, played by Matthew McConaughey travels to the "Suicide Forest" (Aokigahara forest) to kill himself at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, the site of numerous suicides. There he encounters a Japanese man, Takumi Nakamura, played by Ken Watanabe, who wants to kill himself as well, and both men begin a journey of self- reflection and survival.
But more than the suicide theme, there is the story of Arthur Brennan and his relationship with his wife, Joan, played by Naomi Watts, which is told to the viewer with a series of flashbacks. The core problems that exist in so many marriages are brought to the surface and examined during the unfolding of the story. It is a stark reminder of how easily we sometimes let love and relationships deteriorate when we don't have to. Thinking we will one day have time to fix the problem.
Beautiful story and excellent acting from all. I loved this film. -
michaelRokeefe25 April 2017A very distraught Arthur Brennan (Matthew McConaughey), is ready to end it all and purchases a one-way ticket to Tokyo. Arthur, hopelessly trying to deal with the memory of his love/hate relationship with his wife Joan (Naomi Watts), seeks out Japan's famed Aokigahara Forest, the "suicide forest". Brennan plans on taking his life with an overdose of sedatives, when his plan is disrupted by another lost soul wandering the winding trails. Takumi Nakamura (Ken Watanabe) has had a change of heart and is wanting to actually find the way out of the forest. So what began as a task of killing themselves instead will become something powerfully different.
The story line is quite depressing; the scenery is a contrast of ugliness and beauty. The acting is heartfelt and believable. McConaughey is dynamic. Also appearing are: Katie Aselton, Bruce Norris, Anna Friedman and Ryoko Seta. -
MarcoParzivalRocha4 October 2020A college professor, tired of his life, travels to the forest of Aokigahara, Japan, to end his life. The focal point of the film is, supposedly, depression and, as a consequence, suicide, but it quickly deviates from the focus when it starts to enter a narrative that is too melodramatic and boring.
Right in the first act, you almost immediately understand how the story will unfold at the end, due to the predictability that Van Sant placed in the film, with too many coincidences, regret and the consequent redemption, the journey until he returns to the path to leave the forest and McConaughey's faithful "Talking Cricket" character, so lame and obvious.
The guy that gave us 'Good Will Hunting' and 'Milk' is also capable of making a mess like this film. -
OK, so the critics panned this film as boring and lack luster with some very harsh comments, but my curiosity was sparked by the unusual plot so I gave it a go.
Ten minutes into the film, I was near ready to give up on it and agree with it detractors, as it was very slow moving at the start, however, as the story developed I became interested in the 'why' and committed myself to discover the answers.
Matthew McConaughey offers a very good performance as does Ken Watanabe, both of whom demonstrate their desperation, frustration and hopefulness with convincing commitment. Naomi Watts completes the group of well matched, well directed talent. I found the cinematography to be excellent as well.
I did figure out the plot twist before it was revealed, but the way the director exposed it, I thought, was quite brilliant, and, just when I thought the film was over, we are presented with still another surprise that actually made me smile.
All and all, Sea of Trees delivered as both entertainment and a moral study from which every observer can benefit. I enjoyed it, and, given a chance, I think most views will as well. -
kosmasp15 May 2017Some forests seem to have a reputation about them. Though I do wonder how it is, they don't actually do something about those. I mean if you are aware that people go there for a specific (and horrific if I may add) reason, you'd think they would try to put measures in place to stop people from doing something they won't be able to regret.
But if that were the case, you wouldn't have this movie now would you? And it's a fine movie overall. I read it got bad reviews and reactions in Cannes, which is a bit surprising. Especially considering this feels like a movie that should be at home in Cannes (no pun intended). The acting is really good and while you mostly have 2 characters (with some flashbacks where more people are being seen), it never is boring. If you like Drama that is of course ... -
eddie_baggins14 September 2016Hot off a streak of films that included The Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club and sci-fi classic Interstellar, the prospect of new lease of life actor Matthew McConaughey and renowned director Gus Van Sant for a powerful sounding drama, we at the time new little factual details about, seemed like an appealing and likely moving film experience.
Fast forward to September of 2016 and Sea of Trees, unable to recover from a disastrous Cannes Film Festival premiere in 2015 In which the film became a laughing stock (and a filmed booed at its press screening) of media agencies and film fans the world over, has had a fanfare free release to mostly home video markets around the globe or in the case of America an embarrassing cinema release which has at the time of writing netted the film box office takings of $20,000 off a budget in excess of $30 million that will position the critically lambasted experience (Rotten Tomatoes rating of 10%) to become one of the years, and recent memories, biggest cinematic failings.
With all the talk and negativity surrounding this tale of McConaughey's intellectually minded professor Arthur Brennan taking a suicidal sojourn to Japan's suicide forest after the passing of his wife Joan (well played by Naomi Watts), only to find possible redemption after he runs into fellow suicidal Japanese businessman Takumi Nakamura (a disappointing Ken Watanabe), you'd be expecting Van Sant's film to be a new aged The Room or Samurai Cop but while the film is clearly not even half the film it well could've been, Sea of Trees is not nearly as unwatchable as many would have you believe.
Filled with pretentiousness thanks to Buried screenwriter Chris Sparling's script, Van Sant's curiously unengaging direction (calling to mind his other recent misfire Restless) that veers frequently into Hallmark movie territory, one of cinemas most misguided musically scores thanks to composer Mason Bates and an overplayed and scene mugging McConaughey performance that fails to capture the form his developed over the last few years, Sea of Trees has many clearly obvious components that open it up to the critical and dagger wielding masses but it also has a heart, whilst often hidden, that carries into a more watchable (if only slightly so) landscape.
Whether it's a confronting and open hearted examination of Arthur and Joan's troubled marriage around a campfire, Watt's fine turn as the doomed Joan or an ending that could've really been something handled better, Sea of Trees still bares the tiny remnants and fragmented elements of the film many all hoped for when it was announced.
Expectations can be a dangerous thing, Sea of Trees can well and truly bear witness to this and while its far from 2016's worst film, Gus Van Sant and crews misguided and miscued meditation of life, love and loss is unlikely to ever find itself spoken about as a misunderstood masterpiece, rather a film that for whatever reason couldn't find out what it was trying to say or how it was going to say it.
2 flash floods out of 5 -
Reno-Rangan14 November 2016Actually, this was a better film than what I have heard of it. It is like another version of 'The Constant Gardener'. About a man who never understood his wife, feels guilty while finding some answers after her depart. During his attempt to kill himself in the famous Aokigahara forest, also known as suicide forest, he meets a Japanese man who got lost and befriends. While trying to help him find his way out, they face some unexpected obstacles. Beside, the flashback stories were narrated alongside, piece by piece to reveal earlier account.
From the director of 'Good Will Hunting', the film is about the survival and fighting the loss and depression. Too slow, so patience is the key to watch it. A bit long narrative, but in the end it is worth. The developments were not that interesting, though the final twist which is kind of simple and predictable makes us a little happier. Great cast, particularly McConaughey, though Naomi and Watanabe in the fine supportive roles.
For me this is a good film. I think some people, as well as the film critics got all wrong. I'm not saying it is a must see, but it is a different and a decent film even for the average people. The problem with this is the weak screenplay. Familiarity is the right word here, because you could foresee the direction of the progression before every scene. Still, the performances, beautiful locations, all make it an alright film. Normal people should think twice before try it, but the film fanatics should not hesitate to go for it. That means this film is for the selected viewers.
7/10 -
pino-3706225 February 2022Though it starts slow and kind of unnerving, the story unfolds in a beautiful way.
Great actors. Meaningful life themes.
Beautiful ending. Makes all the discomfort worth it.
Just take it slow, pour a glass of wine and let it conquer you in a subtle, japanese, endearing kind of way. -
mballardc3219 December 2018The opening shots that setup the main character reveal a sense of man vs world. When he leaves his car, he has left the keys and cards inside telling us he has no intention of returning to the vehicle. We know it is instantly B when he takes no checked baggage. The man vs world is also on display when the lady at the desk struggles to find his ticket on the database. He looks unimpressed but expectant that it was going to happen. Then when he is going through the metal detector, he is stopped even though he is certain he has removed everything metal. Going to the extent of removing his shoes. He is then annoyed by an air hostess who asks him if he wants food when he is clearly resting. When he arrives, he heads straight to a forest and, after glancing into an old car, begins a serious stride of purpose. The trees look as though they are closing in on him and he is leaving the world behind. When he gets to the first sign, we know that there is something not right about this forest. More signs appear prompting the walker to think about their lives and not to end it. His stride continues as he crosses over a no entry barrier. He comes across a dead body, looks upon it and continues with no shock or major reaction. Now we know this is a place people come to die. He perches himself up on a little hump and starts to take pills. At first, he was going to take the lot but now he has decided to take one by one. While this is happening a Japanese man stumbles in front of him crying and muttering. The main character after some hesitation comes to his aid. After sending him on the right direction to get out of the forest. He turns to go back to his hump where his pills are. He then is struck by shock as nothing seems familiar. Then he begins to walk alongside the man. They are almost walking exactly the same with Watanabe's character a little higher and further back. Giving the impression that this is where our main guy will end up if he continues without a way out. When he finally finds a trail and sends ken on his way. He turns back to finish his suicide. But realises that the pills are with ken. When he runs back, he realises that the trail is blocked. As if the forest doesn't want his death to be by his own hands. An instant flash back showing Mathew and his partner filling up a tank and having an argument in the car. Then they are at a party with other couples. We find out he is an unsuccessful writer and his wife isn't proud of it. They have a fake faced argument in front of the couples and Mathew squeezes her leg. They arrive home and are very distant. They are clearly not happy. The wife is drunk, and he gets her a water. And says what the hell are you doing to us. Flash back ends as ken takes a rest from walking and Mathew sees his cuts on his wrist and patches them up with his clothes. They climb a hill to a shrine. Mathew asks ken why you are doing this why do you want to die. He reply's I dint want to die. I just don't want to live. He then reveals his depression is based on his job. Mathew gets dizzy as the drug kicks in. His clothes are now ripped, and he looks more desperate. Ken questions Mathew on God and Mathew becomes defensive, saying I don't know who the hell you are, but I stopped to help you. Instantly Mathew walks of a cliff and falls far landing in a branch that goes through his waist. Ken climbs down and takes it out. Mathew is saying I don't want your help. A flashback where Mathew comes home to his wife falling asleep while working. He slowly closes the laptop takes off her glasses and shoes. He then takes off his jacket and puts it over her. This all shoes how much he still loves her. She has left the teapot on and she awakes. A romantic moment slowly turns into a big argument. Revealing the huge tension between loving and being irritated by. He grabs her, and it becomes more elevated. He pegs a wine glass against the wall. The music fades to a softer tone as the wife is left alone and she realises she has a nose bleed. Flashback end. Mathew and ken are walking the tides are turned ken is rational whilst Mathew begins to freak out. Ken hears water and they both rush towards the sound of hope. They start to speak as tho they have hope. The music becomes more paces and there are shots of light following ken as he sees a flower and talks about spirits crossing over. From a distance Mathew sees a body. The person has hung themselves. The music stops, and creaking is heard. The wind picks up. Another flashback shows the wife going in for an MRI holding Mathews hand. As she goes in, they let go. They are told that she has cancer. Then the shot of the professor fading out in the class as his students are struggling to deal with his lack of teaching. He is then grocery shopping and again man vs world a lady has to put a grocery item back exactly where he is standing. Flash back end. Ken and Matthew are dragging their freezing bodies through the forest as it begins to rain. Ken finds shelter in a cave. Suddenly its flooded and they are both thrown out into a muddy terrain. Mathews character looks as though he is fighting to be alive. He sees ken unconscious and gives him mouth to mouth. The forest is giving them what they wanted but they are both now fighting to hold on to life. They find a dead person's tent. And remove the clothes of the dead man. The second time they have done this. Wearing the clothes of the dead to stay alive. In the next flashback Mathew and his wife talking about her treatment that could kill her. He tries to keep her laughing but as the conversation becomes serious, he makes a promise that he will die in a perfect place. She says that deep down we all know when we all will die. Ken is singing to himself and Mathew has made a fire to stay warm. They have a radio and things are looking up. Mathew still doesn't want to recognise and spiritual aspects of the forest. They share a moment of laughter. The lack of music with the sound of fire crackling and the birds gives a very surreal peaceful feeling. It gets serious as they start to talk about his wife's death. It becomes a therapy session as ken questions Mathew trying to process every wound inside of him.
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SnoopyStyle11 February 2018Arthur Brennan (Matthew McConaughey) travels to the Aokigahara forest in Japan where people go to commit suicide. There, he encounters Takumi Nakamura (Ken Watanabe). The movie also shows his troubled marriage to Joan Brennan (Naomi Watts).
Director Gus Van Sant delivers a ponderous journey of self-discovery. Neither timeline is that compelling. The troubled marriage lacks energy which ends in a silly surprise reveal. The walk in the forest is only that while the audience waits for the inevitable reveal. This felt much longer than its running time. -
cosmo_tiger17 October 2016"I don't want to die, I just didn't want to live." Arthur Brennan (McConaughey) is tired of his life and is just flailing and decides he only has one option. He flies to Japan in order to visit the mysterious Aokigahara forest to end it all. When he begins to carry out his plan he notices Takumi (Watanabe) who has changed his mind about suicide and is trying to find his way out. Arthur decides to help him escape, and along the way the two begin to discuss their lives, and find reasons for living. This is a good movie but one you must be in the mood for. This is not super depressing, but its not a very happy movie either. The acting is great, as would be expected, and that really carries the movie. Little by little you find out more and more about Arthur's story and why he is in the position he is. The pacing and writing of the movie is near perfect and the acting only adds to the emotion needed for a film like this. There was a movie called The Forest that came out a few months ago that dealt with this area as well, I liked that one better but the movies are just so different its almost hard to compare the two. Overall, near perfect pacing, writing and acting lead to a great movie. That said, it is one you have to be in the mood for and be emotionally ready to handle. Since the re-watchablity (for me at least) isn't there, I give this a B+.
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lee_eisenberg11 December 2016Most of Gus Van Sant's movies have focused either on marginalized people (My Own Private Idaho, Good Will Hunting) or political issues (Milk, Promised Land). "The Sea of Trees" is a new turn for him. Matthew McConaughey plays a man who goes to Japan's Aokigahara - aka Suicide Forest - with the aim of ending his life, only to meet a man (Ken Watanabe) who has his own story.
This movie is not a masterpiece, but is an interesting story in its own right. In addition to the flashbacks showing events with the main character and his wife (Naomi Watts), I like the cinematography in the forest. These two men have a lot to deal with in this forest, but their experiences force them to persevere.
So, while it's far from Van Sant's best movie, I still recommend it. I don't understand why it got booed at the Cannes Film Festival. -
I'm a big fan of Matthew McConaughey, and Naomi Watts isn't bad either. I'm surprised those big name stars let themselves to this snoozer of a movie.
This was just about the biggest waste of nearly two hours. I watched it all the way through but was bored to tears on top of being depressed by it.
The acting was fine, the story would have had some merit, but the direction just sucked the life out of this project. I paid attention to the rating and didn't do my research before watching it. My mistake.
Looking through the filmography of director Gus Van Sant I see that this is the only movie by him that I've watched. And I watch a lot of movies. I'll be sure not to watch any of his other projects either.
There was a decent story, although predictable, behind this work, but the way it was presented would put anyone to sleep. Also if you have a tendency toward depression and suicide I suggest you don't even give this a try.
This has to be put at the bottom of my all time favorite list. -
JohnRayPeterson3 October 2016I've liked most all of Gus Van Sant directed movies, so I was more than curious to view this film. Also when your better half says she loves it, you tend to watch, so I did. Oscar winning actor Matthew McConaughey and Oscar nominated Naomi Watts and Ken Watanabe also guarantee the production will provide fine performances and they did, superbly.
Arthur Brennan played by McConaughey, is having marital problems; his wife Joan a borderline alcoholic yet successful business women resents the low paying job of Arthur, a science professor, who cannot contribute a fraction of what income she generates, but it's her lack of trust in him ever since he had an affair that fuels her alcoholism.
The movie toggles between current time and what lead to Arthur's near demise. One has to pay attention and not miss anything. The couple had a wonderful life up until Arthur quit, at the behest of Joan, a job he didn't much like and slowly the disparity in their contribution to the household income began to pull them apart.
Joan is diagnosed with brain cancer and Arthur's love showed itself to be steadfast just as love should be. In the hospital Joan made Arthur promise, because she too still loved him, that he would not go through what she was going through, that he should end his life in a beautiful setting where he could die with joyful memories rather than the ominous setting she was now experiencing, should he ever find himself faced with a terminal diagnosis. That was a touching and unexpected scene, rarely found in novels or movies that I can recall.
She has successful surgery and while being transported later from the hospital, the ambulance is hit by a truck and she dies in Arthur's arms. Overcome by guilt and his despair, he decides to join his beloved in the very way she had made him promise, though he was not terminally ill, just overwhelmed. He finds the best place to die searching the web, Aokigahara Forest in Japan, also known as suicide forest, and heads there.
Now keep in mind that the story is non linear and we watch his adventure in the forest whilst we see the marriage deteriorate and the love of the couple rise above it. As I mentioned, you can't miss a minute.
Arthur is in the forest when he encounters a man, Ken Watanabe, who is trying to find his way back to civilisation, having changed his mind about suicide; they are lost now in this sea of trees. Both men as it turns out recount their stories and find the will to live, but the environment gets the best of them and only Arthur makes it out. He tries desperately to find his lost friend, once having recovered at the hospital, but to no avail. The journey of the men is a reflection of life, the choices we make and how everyone has the same, more or less, attachment to a life of love.
The performances are the award winning kind and the original screenplay should have been, maybe will be, a novel one day. The direction of Van Sant, impeccable as usual, true to the list of works I love. You will not have blockbuster special effects here, no violence, no sexual scenes, just a cerebral journey; if you like that sort of thing and I do, oh do I recommend it. -
Aly2007 September 2017Director Gus van Sant is well known for touching dramas such as the Oscar winning "Good Will Hunting" and this offering is one of his most underrated films. Following a grief-stricken widower who wanders around an isolated forest with a mysterious stranger, the film takes a hard look at what led our protagonist to where he is and also gives insight into accepting death, love and the process of grief.
With only three core players in the cast, the setting of the forest, Aokigahara, in Tokyo we really spend most of the time with the characters of Arthur Brennan (Matthew McConaughey) and Nakamura Takumi (Ken Watanabe) while we are provided with flashbacks that outline the relationship between Arthur and his wife, Joan (Naomi Watts).
Matthew McConaughey's performance as Arthur is an enigma when we first him as we follow him when heading into Aokigahara. We learn early on that Arthur is an academic professor; specifically a science instructor. While Arthur may not have too much trouble applying his intelligence to his students, the same cannot be said of his treatment of his wife, Joan, which is a tumultuous roller-coaster at best. As the story progresses we are given insight into his life with Joan which comes off as loving and happy until we see the two argue when left alone and it's clear there are issues with their marriage. There may have been love in the relationship at first, but the marriage is clearly troubled except in the fate of imminent tragedy we see how devoted Arthur really is to Joan despite how angry he and Joan have been towards each other. McConaughey taps into Arthur's hidden sadness by slowly revealing the reason he has come to the forest, his actions are equally reckless as Arthur wallows in grief; unable to cope with how to process his feelings. The film's climactic reveal of Joan's passing absolutely packs an emotional punch as McConaughey pours his heart out in how Arthur feels that he did a disservice to his wife while she was alive, but learns from Watanabe's Takumi that Joan's spirit is with him despite how upset he had been with her in the past and with himself.
Supporting players Ken Watanabe and Naomi Watts also bring their best to the story as they are integral to the Arthur's journey. 1. Watanabe as Takumi is first introduced as a rambling lost soul in the forest, just as lost as Arthur is. As he travels along with Arthur, Takumi begins to probe into Arthur's past though the latter is reluctant to divulge much and just wants to die. Takumi's persistence pays off as Arthur's kindness prolongs Takumi's own wish to die (and begins to undermine Arthur's own death wish). We don't learn until late in the film why Takumi's wistful encouragements about Joan's after-death presence end up so true. 2. Naomi Watts's performance is used sparingly, but provides the film's ending gut-punch. As Joan, Watts is smart and sophisticated as she is an academic like her husband, but she is plagued with demons. Despite her and Arthur's academic education, she is jealous of her husband's past success and to cope with her frustration with Arthur, Joan becomes an alcoholic. Arthur is quick to blame Joan for her behavior while she points the finger right back at his lack of affection or interest in her feelings. When Joan becomes sick, we start to see how little both Joan and Arthur really know about each other. We get to see them banter back and forth trying to learn about each other, but tragedy cuts their potential happiness short. The audience gets to share in Arthur's grief at losing Joan, but also get to see him change and feel a closeness to his late wife that didn't exist while she was alive.
The narrative does take some time to get moving as the camera tracks Matthew McConaughey through the forest and little of the plot is revealed. Once Ken Watanabe's Takumi is introduced and also the flashbacks to Arthur and Joan's marriage commences, the story does get more interesting and gets to the heart of why McConaughey's Arthur is in Aokigahara. It's easy to stay stone-faced for the majority of the run-time, the tears will start to well up as Arthur pours his heart out to Takumi and then learning how Joan died finally hits hard especially for anyone who has had such a tragic loss. -
thesar-211 December 2020This gorgeous film does have its moments, good acting, great cinematography and a touching finale...but...predicable as all Hades. I knew almost instantly what the twist would be, not to mention the 2nd, flashback twist too. But, that's not to say this isn't worth watching. It may help you appreciate life more and your loved ones even more. Also, can't go wrong with the beautiful Ken Watanabe and great acting of Matthew McConaughey and Naomi Watts.
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subxerogravity30 August 2016Matthew McConaughey is Arthur Brennan a man who comes to a famous forest in Japan for suicide to do so himself. His perception is changed when he meets a man named Takumi Nakamura played by Ken Watanabe who needs his help getting out of the forest.
The movie starts off as a culture clash between the American and the Japanese as they discuss their reasons for being in the forest. We see through flashbacks that for Arthur it has to do with his wife, Joan, played by Naomi Watts and for Takumi it's because of a demotion that will affect him tending to his family. The start of the culture clash goes over my head as neither one of them has given me a good case for ending their life. Then the film hits us with the spiritual differences between cultures, and the whole monologue becomes lame in its predictability.
However, the chemistry between McConaughey and Watanabe is good enough to keep me attracted to what I see on screen, but not as effective as what McConaughey was doing with Watts. Their back and forth as a married couple on shaky ground could not have been more formulated, but it was more about the acting, which made the generic really natural, raw and life like. From the Awkward moments they share while having dinner with their friends, to the way Joan disrespects what Arthur does for a living, I am swept up in the belief that they are a real couple.
Overall, McConaughey had two really good dance partners for this machine he's running. At the same time, he was given some great solo moments to shine bright like a diamond.
Adding to the brilliant acting, director Gus Van Sant creates a very spiritual environment used to explore life and death and everything in-between. It was ghostly and haunting as well. The imagery may have been subtle but it captures its beauty nicely, and the music composed complements the environment so well. Very captivating.
The Sea of Trees biggest fail point, and it is a big one, is the narrative is so formatted, I felt like a fortune teller looking into a crystal ball. As touching as the performances were and what top notch film crafting I see, I cannot get past how unoriginal this story line is. In their attempts at laying out the darkness of life, how the ups only go so high, but the downs can go really low, they created a pathway that a viewer could go through blindfolded. No surprises and no originality.
In the end, The Sea of Tress is a decent small vehicle for Matthew McConaughey to drive, showing off his acting chops behind the wheel as a lead actor, but I've seen him do just as good of a job in far better small vehicles.
http://cinemagardens.com -
shoobe01-15 July 2021First10 - 15 minutes are enthralling in their spartan sensibility, only wild sound, etc.
Then, it starts getting overbearing, and rather trite - feel this emotion! - music. Sometimes there's music with sung lyrics OVER dialog! It is hard to tell which to pay attention to.
Then it gets into the very hamhanded flashbacks. Only for Matthew McConaughey of course, not Ken Watanabe.
And then we get the slap in my face lack of realism. Nosebleed = cancer. Fall off a cliff, bounce on a rock and fall 20 more feet, and the only issue is impaled by a stick so hours later, you are walking? And at least a dozen other things where i thought I had missed something, or just rolled my eyes.
Even the cinematography was all over the place, from the delightful shallow-DOF mid-range shots, to all too often just sitcom setups and excessive cuts between each line.
I only finished this because of the promise of Gus Van Sant, and maybe it came around again, but no. If I had researched this before, I'd have known that the writer of Buried would give us a hamhanded movie like this.